Joe Jonas

Hayden Panettiere has signed on to play Amanda Knox in Lifetime's TV movie based on the real-life story of Knox, an American exchange student who was convicted in Italy for murdering her roommate.

According to Deadline Hollywood, the movie tentatively titled 'The Amanda Knox Story' will air in 2011. Robert Dornhelm will direct with a script from Wendy Battles of 'CSI: NY' and 'Law & Order.'

Knox and her boyfriend were arrested in 2007 and accused of killing Meredith Kercher. Knox's trial lasted for nearly a year and ended with a 26 year prison conviction. She has maintained her innocence and appealed.

In other TV news ...

• Joe Jonas will guest star on The CW's '90210.' The singer who has also appeared on 'Hot in Cleveland' and multiple Disney shows and movies will play himself and escort Adrianna to a magazine cover party. [Ausiello Files]

• Peter Coyote has joined the ever-expanding cast of 'Law & Order: Los Angeles.' Coyote will play the district attorney, boss to the characters played by Alfred Molina and Terrence Howard. [Deadline Hollywood]

• Jim Gaffigan will guest star on 'Royal Pains.' The comedian and former star of 'My Boys' will play Pete Stambleck, a park ranger who turns up with a personality change. Look for Gaffigan in the season 2 finale. [TV Guide]

• Callie Thorne has been cast in USA Network's 'Necessary Roughness.' Thorne will play a psychiatrist who takes a gig as a consultant to a professional football team and quickly becomes sought after by other celebrities. The project is based on a true story. [Deadline Hollywood]

The Jonas Brothers! And Demi Lovato! (Shhh ... if you're quiet, you can hear the wild screams of tween fans around the world.)
'Camp Rock' was such a sensational hit for the Disney Channel, they smartly decided to get the gang back together for 'Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam' (premieres Fri., Sept. 3, 8PM ET). But something's standing in the way of Mitchie and the boys having a rockin' summer: rival Camp Star across the lake. The whole thing ends in a musical battle to end all battles, deciding which is the better camp.

I caught up with Nick, Joe, Kevin and Demi to hear all about the sequel, some new characters and some that've grown up since the first film and if there are more 'Camp Rock' movies in their future.

Joe is set to play Valerie Bertinelli's son on an upcoming episode, set to air in August. The report speculates that since the sitcom is signed up for a second season, Joe should be due for a return visit or two.

Pop singer Kevin Jonas appeared on the game show 'Minute to Win It' (Wed., 8PM ET on NBC). The singer apparently loves the series, and wanted to be a guest on it. He was attempting to win up to $1 million for his favorite charity, Change for the Children.

In-between preforming the show's ridiculous tasks -- such as blowing a deck of cards off a bottle and moving eggs across the floor using only a pizza box -- Jonas took time out to respond to his adoring fans in the audience. He signed the aforementioned pizza box and presented it to a young girl, while the crowd exploded into cheers. "We'll be back to our [regularly] scheduled program," said host Guy Fieri, but that still failed to stop the screaming from Jonas's fans.

Last night, we learned the Top Ten who'd be going on the 'American Idol' tour this summer. Out of all the contestants who made it into the Top 24, I'm ok with who's left. There are really only a handful of standouts for me -- Crystal Bowersox, Michael Lynche, and Siobhan Magnus -- but all of the contestants have their moments.

Fan reaction from the news differed a lot. Some fans were glad at the idea of one of the Jonas brothers to be part of the series as Joe not only shared physical features with actor Balthazar Getty, which would have helped making this younger version of Tommy be believable, but also because the Jonas Brothers' following could have tuned in the show and help boost the ratings.

Other fans were outraged at the idea that Joe Jonas could land the role. Comments ranged from fans claiming that Joe did not look like Getty at all to them wondering if Joe Jonas had the needed acting skills to play such a role.

No matter what's your opinion, Jonas did not get the part after all. A young actor from 'Make It or Break It' was offered the role instead.

Virginia Madsen is headed back to television following a recurring role on 'Monk.' The Oscar nominee will next star in the ABC dramedy 'Scoundrels,' playing a mom of a family of criminals who finally decides to clean up her act. The network has picked up eight episodes of the series, which will air in the summer. [Hollywood Reporter]
More casting news after the jump.

ABC hasn't confirmed the Jonas casting, but it would make sense. Look at how much alike they are? But there's still a question about acting. Is Joe Jonas able to make us believe that he's a young Tommy Walker?

Beginning this Friday, Nov. 27, the Disney stars will duke it out for a spot on the Disney Channel's Dec. 31 evening lineup, the Hollywood Reporter confirms. Fans will be able to vote for their fave episodes and music videos at DisneyChannel.com. The winning shows will run on New Year's Eve from 6PM to 12:30AM, while songs from the 10 favorite music videos will play on Radio Disney, starting at 12PM on Jan. 1.

With ratings on the decline the past couple of years, it's also been observed that the median age for the show had been getting older as well. As we all know, old people don't exist to advertisers, so youth is where it's at. Kelly Clarkson is a great choice to bring in a hip and young crowd, and she's a great story for the show. Here's their first crowned champion coming back to offer sage advice and wisdom ... or at least a lot of "Y'all!"

Joe Jonas is sure to bring legions of screaming pre-pubescent girls to the screen. And nobody obsesses over stars like pre-pubescent girls. I'd love to see the permanent slot filled by an artist as current and relevant as these two. Maybe Amy Winehouse is available; it'd be like Paula never left!

(S34E16) It was pretty obvious there was going to be at least two sketches with the Jonas Brothers. I called it! I mean, no one apart from the people in my apartment know I called it, but that doesn't change the facts or my sad sense of accomplishment. I had to tune out once they started singing (sorry, 15 year-old girls), but their skits were all right. Alec Baldwin did a fine job of hosting as well, though there weren't any particularly striking sketches. I suppose after doing something like "Schwetty Balls", just about everything else will pale in comparison.